Sharpening steels with a diamond coating of the blade deliver a particularly fine re-sharpening result.

Step 1: Place the knife blade against the tip of the sharpening steel at an angle of approximately 20 degrees

Step 2: Pull the knife down and across the steel, describing a slight arc

Step 3: Repeat this action on the back of the steel to sharpen the other side of the blade

Step 4: Repeat steps 2 and 3 five to ten times, alternating the left and right side of the blade

It is very important to maintain the angle of 20 degrees and to run the full length of the cutting edge along the steel from the hilt to the tip of the knife. Speed of movement plays no part in this process.